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If you like to play tennis aggressively, then the volley is a key shot that can help you close out many points. Even if you play a baseline style, you’ll have to volley short balls occasionally. Indeed, if your opponent knows that you don’t like to volley, he may hit some short shots to force you closer to the net. No matter what style you play, you can improve your volleying by practicing against a wall or backboard.

1.

Assume the correct volleying grip before you start practicing. Form a continental grip by holding the racket in front of you with the head perpendicular to the court. Grasp the racket so the V-shape between your thumb and index finger is a bit left of center on the top of the grip.

2.

Hit against a backboard on a tennis court that already has a horizontal, net-high line. Alternatively, draw a line across the wall to represent the net. A standard tennis net is 3 feet, 6 inches high at the ends and 3 feet high in the middle. Try to hit your volleys no more than 6 inches above the line.

3.

Use a one-handed grip for your backhand volleys, even if you normally play a two-handed backhand. You can’t reach as far with two hands on the racket. Because you’re so close to the net when you volley, it’s better to sacrifice a bit of power for greater reach.

4.

Hit your volleys from different distances. Start close to the wall and hit the ball softly, then gradually back up to about 10 feet.

5.

Vary your routine by mixing up forehand and backhand volleys. Instead of volleying every shot back, you can also improve your hand quickness by popping some balls into the air, then volleying the ball when it comes down. Increase the challenge by popping the ball up with your forehand, then shifting your position and volleying with your backhand, and vice versa.

6.

Practice serving and volleying by standing about 35 feet from the wall, serving, then running toward the wall to volley the rebound.

7.

Lean a thick, 10-foot by 8-foot board against the wall at a 45- to 60-degree angle. Hit your volleys against the board. Hit down on the rebounds, which will fly toward you at an upward angle.

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About the Author

M.L. Rose has worked as a print and online journalist for more than 20 years. He has contributed to a variety of national and local publications, specializing in sports writing. Rose holds a B.A. in communications.